School Meals: A Nutritional and Environmental Perspective

In light of the rise in childhood obesity rates and the influence of the food system on fossil fuel use, this article analyzes current school meals in Baltimore and makes suggestions for school meal reform based on both childhood nutrition and environmental resource use. The nutrient content and estimated energy costs of a typical school lunch are compared with a proposed alternate meal. The study indicates that healthier meals can significantly limit fossil fuel energy inputs for harvesting, production, processing, packaging, and transportation. The authors also provide strategies for developing menus that are both more nutritious and more energy efficient.